Free long-term care resources for Massachusetts families

    Massachusetts Long-Term Care
    Everything Your Family Needs in One Place.

    Navigating long-term care in Massachusetts is complicated — Medicaid rules, care costs, and senior services all have their own language, and it's hard to know who to turn to or who you can trust. We've organized everything Massachusetts families need into one free guide — including connections to vetted providers who can help ease the burden.

    Built around your situation and Massachusetts's specific programs and rules.

    Always free for familiesNo Hidden FeesSecure and Confidential
    Understanding long-term care in Massachusetts

    What Massachusetts families need to know before making care decisions.

    Long-term care in Massachusetts is among the most expensive in the country. With MassHealth waiver programs, home care options, assisted living communities, and skilled nursing facilities spread across the state — costs, rules, and wait times vary by region.

    Every family's situation is different. Some are facing a decision right now. Others are planning ahead. Many are already caring for a loved one at home and wondering what help is available. Whatever your situation, knowing what Massachusetts offers and what fits your family makes every decision clearer.

    We've organized every Massachusetts-specific resource, tool, and guide in one place so Massachusetts families can stop searching and start planning. Everything here is free.

    $14,448/mo

    Nursing Home — Semi-Private

    No set cap*

    Medicaid Income Limit

    84

    Senior Service Resources

    Not sure where to start with long-term care in Massachusetts?

    Takes about 60 seconds • Free • No pressure

    Massachusetts care costs

    What long-term care actually costs in Massachusetts.

    Massachusetts's long-term care costs are well above national averages. Assisted living averages $9,600/month — roughly 55% above the U.S. average — while nursing home care averages $14,448/month. Costs are highest in the Boston metro area and lower in western Massachusetts.

    Understanding the full range of care types — from adult day care (the most affordable option) to private-room nursing homes — helps families plan realistically. Most families use multiple types of care as needs change over time.

    Use the calculator below to explore Massachusetts care costs in detail and project how they'll grow over time with a 3% annual inflation rate.

    Nursing Home — Private

    $15,817/mo

    Nursing Home — Semi-Private

    $14,448/mo

    Assisted Living

    $9,600/mo

    Memory Care

    $12,000/mo

    Estimated (AL × 1.25)

    Home Care

    $7,627/mo

    $40/hr (nat'l avg: $35/hr)

    Adult Day Care

    $2,427/mo

    Source: CareScout 2025 Cost of Care Survey (updated March 2026)

    Calculate Your Massachusetts Costs

    State-specific data · Inflation projection · Total estimate

    Use the sliders below to adjust years, inflation, and projection period

    1 yr15 yrs
    1%7%
    Now30 yrs

    Not sure how long you'll need care? Get full insights into when you may need care, what kind, and for how long — personalized to your health and finances.

    Start Your Full Care Planning Assessment →

    Your Cost Estimate

    Today's Monthly Cost

    $15,817/mo

    NH Private Room · Massachusetts

    Monthly Cost Today

    $15,817/mo

    3% inflation · 3 years of care

    Monthly cost today$15,817
    Care begins2026 (now)
    Years of care3 years
    Inflation rate3% annually
    Total estimated cost$586,665
    🏠

    Don't rush to sell the home

    Bridge loans, HELOCs, and reverse mortgages can fund care without selling.

    📈

    Care costs rise 3–5% annually

    Factor long-term inflation into all planning models.

    ⚖️

    Medicaid lookback is 5 years

    Planning must begin well before care is needed to protect assets.

    Source: CareScout 2025 Cost of Care Survey (updated March 2026)

    * AK NH Private Room: A Place For Mom. ADC — DE: Genworth; DC: PayingForSeniorCare; ID: MedicaidLongTermCare.org; SD: Genworth; VT: VT Adult Services Div.; WV: CareCostIndex.com.

    View Full Massachusetts Care Cost Breakdown →View National Care Cost Breakdown →

    Understanding costs is the first step. Next, let's explore how Massachusetts Medicaid can help cover them — and what financial planning options are available.

    Massachusetts assisted living averages $9,600/month — 55% above the national average and higher than every state except Connecticut in the Northeast. High real estate costs, strict state licensing requirements, staffing shortages, and the concentration of facilities in expensive metro areas (Boston, Cambridge, Newton) drive prices up. Western Massachusetts (Berkshire, Hampshire, Franklin counties) tends to be more affordable but has fewer options. Memory care communities add $2,000–$4,000/month on top of base assisted living rates. Use the calculator above to compare all care types and project future costs.

    Full-time home care in Massachusetts averages $7,627/month statewide, but hourly rates in Greater Boston run $32–$40/hour — meaning full-time (40 hours/week) home care in Boston can exceed $8,500/month. Part-time care (20 hours/week) averages $3,400–$4,000/month in the metro area. Live-in care can be more cost-effective for families needing 24/7 support — typically $350–$450/day compared to $60–$80/hour for hourly overnight aides. MassHealth home care programs can dramatically reduce or eliminate these costs for eligible families. Use the calculator above to model your scenario.

    Adult day health programs are Massachusetts's most affordable supervised care option at roughly $2,427/month. The state has a strong network of adult day programs — many operated by nonprofit organizations and hospitals — offering medical monitoring, therapeutic activities, meals, and transportation. For families providing care at home, MassHealth's Personal Care Attendant (PCA) program can pay for help with daily activities at no cost to eligible participants. Part-time home care (10–15 hours/week) costs approximately $2,000–$2,800/month. Use the calculator and Medicaid tool above to explore the full picture.

    See your care options and costs based on your situation

    Massachusetts Medicaid

    Understanding Massachusetts Medicaid long-term care coverage — and whether your family qualifies.

    Massachusetts Medicaid — known as MassHealth — is administered by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services. MassHealth has no hard income cap for Nursing Home Medicaid; instead, all income above a small personal needs allowance goes toward the cost of care.

    Massachusetts has a 5-year look-back period and an asset limit of $2,000 for individuals. The state offers HCBS waivers covering care in assisted living, adult foster care, and at home. MassHealth planning is essential given the state's high care costs.

    Use the Medicaid tool below to check eligibility, understand Massachusetts's specific rules, and explore planning strategies.

    Income Limit — Single

    No hard limit*

    Income Limit — Married (one applying)

    No hard limit*

    Asset Limit — Single

    $2,000

    Asset Limit — Married (one applying)

    $2,000 for applicant & $162,660 for non-applicant

    Look-Back Period

    60 months (5 years)

    Estate Recovery

    Yes — Massachusetts seeks reimbursement after death

    Medicaid programs available in Massachusetts

    Frail Elder Home & Community-Based Services Waiver (FEW)

    Wait list may apply

    A variety of supports provided at home, in adult foster care homes, and in congregate housing for nursing home qualified persons, including those with Alzheimer's and related dementias. Benefits may include personal care assistance, homemaker services, home modifications, meal delivery, and personal emergency response systems.

    Adult Day Health Care (ADH) Program

    Daytime supervision and care, including skilled nursing, in adult day care centers across the state. Can serve as respite care for informal caregivers.

    Personal Care Attendant (PCA) Program

    Pays for an in-home personal care provider for a defined number of hours. Beneficiaries can hire an attendant of their choosing, including select family members such as adult children.

    Enhanced Adult Foster Care / Caregiver Homes Program (AFC)

    Helps individuals who require assistance with daily living activities to reside in a loved one's home and compensates the loved one for providing care.

    Group Adult Foster Care (GAFC) & SSI-G

    A combination MassHealth and state-funded program that pays for assisted living type care.

    Senior Care Options (SCO) Program

    Designed for persons who are 'dual eligible' (eligible for both Medicaid and Medicare), but seniors do not have to be on Medicare to participate in this managed care program.

    Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)

    Combines Medicaid (including long-term care) and Medicare benefits into one program. Additional benefits such as dental and eye care may be available.

    Moving Forward Plan – Community Living (MFP-CL) Waiver

    Helps nursing home residents transition back to living at home or the home of a loved one.

    Moving Forward Plan – Residential Supports (MFP-RS) Waiver

    Helps nursing home residents transition to assisted living or memory care residences.

    Money Follows the Person

    A federal program that helps institutionalized Medicaid-eligible persons transition back home or into the community.

    Long-term care Medicaid guide

    Eligibility · Caregiver pay · How to apply · 2026 data

    Important: Rates vary — contact your state Medicaid office for current figures. This tool provides general guidance, not legal or financial advice.

    Compare Medicaid Programs — Massachusetts

    How the main LTC programs available in Massachusetts compare side by side.

    Massachusetts has Structured Family Caregiving — this is often the best option for live-in family caregivers because the pay is tax-free and there are no hourly timesheets.
    ProgramPayPay typeTax-free?Spouse OK?Waitlist?
    Consumer-directed HCBS$18–22/hrHourly wageNoUsually noNo
    Structured Family Caregiving (SFC)$50–65/dayDaily stipendYesUsually noNo
    Personal Care AgreementMarket rate (from assets)Private payNoYesNo
    VA Aid & AttendanceUp to $2,874/moMonthly pensionYesYesNo

    Massachusetts Medicaid programs

    1

    MassHealth HCBS Waiver

    2

    Adult Foster Care (SFC)

    3

    PCA Program

    2026 policy warning: The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (signed July 4, 2025) cuts federal Medicaid spending by ~$911 billion over 10 years. HCBS waiver waitlists are expected to grow significantly. Apply as early as possible — do not wait for a crisis.

    Sources: KFF (Jan 2026), medicaidplanningassistance.org (Feb 2026). Programs and rates change — verify with your state Medicaid office.

    Sources

    Educational guidance only — not legal or financial advice. Your state Medicaid office determines actual eligibility.

    View Full Massachusetts Medicaid Guide →Compare Medicaid Eligibility Across All States →

    Medicaid figures: 2026 federal/state guidelines

    Beyond Medicaid, Massachusetts has a network of senior services and programs that can help your family. Let's explore what's available in your county.

    MassHealth is Massachusetts's Medicaid program, and it works differently from most states for long-term care. There is no hard income cap — instead, Massachusetts uses a medically needy pathway where all income above a small Personal Needs Allowance ($72.80/month for nursing home residents) goes toward the cost of care. The asset limit is $2,000 for individuals. MassHealth covers nursing home care, home care through the PCA program, and community-based services through Senior Care Options (SCO) and One Care plans. These managed care plans integrate Medicare and Medicaid benefits into one program for dual-eligible seniors.

    The PCA program is one of the most comprehensive consumer-directed care programs in the country. MassHealth-eligible individuals who need help with activities of daily living can hire their own personal care attendant — including friends and family members (though not a spouse). The consumer controls who provides care, when, and how. PCA services are managed through fiscal intermediary agencies that handle payroll and taxes. There are no enrollment caps, and hours are based on a clinical assessment of need. This program often provides 20–60 hours/week of free personal care. Contact MassHealth at 1-800-841-2900 for eligibility screening.

    Senior Care Options (SCO) is a managed care model that combines MassHealth and Medicare benefits into one plan for adults aged 65+. SCO plans provide a single care team that coordinates medical care, prescriptions, home care, transportation, adult day health, and behavioral health — eliminating the confusion of managing two separate programs. Enrollment is voluntary. SCO plans are available from insurers like Commonwealth Care Alliance, Tufts Health Plan, and UnitedHealthcare. Benefits often exceed standard MassHealth — including dental, vision, and hearing. Contact your local ASAP or call MassHealth at 1-800-841-2900.
    Massachusetts senior services

    Community services and aging programs available to Massachusetts seniors — most families never find all of them.

    Massachusetts's Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) — the state's equivalent of Area Agencies on Aging — serve communities statewide, coordinating free and low-cost programs including home-delivered meals, transportation, caregiver respite, legal aid, benefits counseling, and home modifications.

    Beyond ASAPs, Massachusetts funds programs through the Older Americans Act and state revenue covering adult protective services, ombudsman advocacy, senior center programming, and employment assistance. Use the finder below to see what's near you.

    Use the service finder to discover which programs serve your Massachusetts community — or browse the full directory for statewide and local listings.

    Home-Delivered Meals & Nutrition

    Programs like Meals on Wheels and congregate dining at senior centers — available to Massachusetts seniors through local Area Agencies on Aging.

    Transportation & Mobility

    Non-emergency medical transport, volunteer driver programs, and reduced-fare transit for Massachusetts seniors who no longer drive.

    Caregiver Support & Respite

    Respite care, support groups, training, and the National Family Caregiver Support Program — helping Massachusetts caregivers avoid burnout.

    Benefits Counseling & Legal Aid

    Free SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program) Medicare counseling, Medicaid application help, and legal assistance for elder law issues like guardianship and advance directives in Massachusetts.

    Question 1 of 40% complete
    1Step 1 of 4

    Select your county

    This helps us find your local Area Agency on Aging

    View All Massachusetts Senior Services →Find Senior Services in a Different State →

    Links verified June 2026 · Always call to confirm current availability

    In addition to government programs, Massachusetts has a strong network of nonprofit organizations that can help — many offering free services most families never discover.

    Massachusetts uses Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) instead of traditional Area Agencies on Aging. ASAPs serve the same function — coordinating community-based services for seniors — but are typically private nonprofit organizations rather than government agencies. There are 25 ASAPs across the state providing care management, home care services, meals, transportation, and caregiver support. ASAPs also serve as the entry point for MassHealth home care programs and can screen for SCO and One Care eligibility. Call the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs at 1-800-243-4636 to find your local ASAP.

    Yes — Massachusetts has one of the most robust nutrition programs for seniors in the nation. Beyond traditional Meals on Wheels (coordinated through ASAPs), the state funds the Elder Nutrition Program providing congregate meals at senior centers and community sites, culturally appropriate meal programs in Boston and other diverse communities, and medically tailored meal programs through organizations like Community Servings for seniors with chronic conditions. Many programs serve seniors regardless of income. Contact your local ASAP or call 1-800-243-4636 for programs in your area.

    Massachusetts offers respite through multiple channels. ASAPs administer the National Family Caregiver Support Program providing in-home respite, adult day health (averaging $2,427/month), and short-term facility-based stays. The Caregiver Homes program offers live-in caregiver support with professional oversight. MassHealth's Adult Foster Care program provides 24/7 care in a caregiver's home with monthly stipends. The Alzheimer's Association Massachusetts/New Hampshire Chapter offers dementia-specific respite. For emergency respite — when a caregiver has a sudden health crisis — contact your ASAP for same-day or next-day placement options.
    Massachusetts nonprofit resources

    Nonprofit and community organizations helping Massachusetts families — free help most families never find.

    Massachusetts has an extensive network of nonprofit organizations serving seniors and their families — from legal aid societies and caregiver support groups to Alzheimer's Association chapters and community action agencies.

    Many Massachusetts nonprofits offer free services including benefits counseling, caregiver training, support groups, and emergency assistance. Your zip code determines which organizations serve your area.

    Use the nonprofit finder below to search for organizations that match your family's specific needs.

    Disease-Specific Support

    Nonprofit organizations focused on Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, ALS, cancer, and other conditions that require long-term care. Massachusetts chapters offer helplines, support groups, respite programs, and education to help families navigate diagnosis and care planning.

    Legal Aid for Seniors

    Free legal assistance with Medicaid applications, advance directives, power of attorney, guardianship, and elder abuse cases through Massachusetts's legal aid societies.

    Caregiver & Family Support

    Nonprofit organizations providing caregiver training, respite coordination, support groups, and counseling for Massachusetts families — because caregivers need care too.

    Community Action & Emergency Aid

    Community action agencies and charitable organizations offering emergency financial assistance, utility help, food pantries, and crisis intervention for Massachusetts seniors.

    Question 1 of 5
    1Step 1 of 5

    Who needs help?

    This helps us personalize your results

    Search All Nonprofits in Massachusetts →Find Nonprofits in a Different State →

    Don't hesitate to contact multiple organizations — many have overlapping services and can refer you to others. Every conversation gets you closer to the help your family needs.

    Greater Boston Legal Services and Massachusetts Legal Aid serve income-eligible seniors with MassHealth applications, appeals, and denials. The Massachusetts Senior Legal Helpline (1-800-342-5297) provides free brief legal advice for residents aged 60+ on any legal issue. Health Law Advocates specializes in MassHealth appeals and insurance disputes. The Massachusetts Bar Association's Lawyer Referral Service offers reduced-fee consultations. For nursing home or assisted living complaints, contact the Massachusetts Long-Term Care Ombudsman at 1-800-243-4636.

    The Alzheimer's Association Massachusetts/New Hampshire Chapter (1-800-272-3900) operates support groups across the state and a 24/7 helpline. Massachusetts General Hospital's Frontotemporal Disorders Unit and Brigham and Women's Center for Alzheimer Research and Treatment are internationally recognized for diagnosis and clinical trials. Boston University's Alzheimer's Disease Research Center conducts ongoing studies. For day-to-day support, Springwell (Boston's ASAP) and other local ASAPs coordinate adult day health programs specializing in memory care. Rogerson Communities operates memory care adult day programs specifically designed for diverse communities.

    Call the Massachusetts Elder Abuse Hotline at 1-800-922-2275 (24/7) to report suspected abuse, neglect, financial exploitation, or self-neglect of an adult aged 60+. The Executive Office of Elder Affairs investigates all reports through Protective Services caseworkers. For nursing home and assisted living complaints, contact the Long-Term Care Ombudsman at 1-800-243-4636. In emergencies, call 911. For non-crisis needs — food insecurity, housing, utility shutoffs — call Massachusetts 211 or contact your local ASAP for community resources.
    More tools for Massachusetts families

    Additional resources every Massachusetts family should know about.

    Medicare, Veterans benefits, caregiver compensation programs, and financial planning tools are available to every Massachusetts family — and understanding them early can save thousands in long-term care costs.

    Medicare Guide

    • What does Medicare actually cover for long-term care?
    • What happens when Medicare runs out?

    Understand exactly what Medicare covers for long-term care, for how long, and what your Massachusetts family needs to plan for when coverage ends.

    Veterans Benefits

    • Does my parent qualify for VA long-term care benefits?
    • What is the Aid and Attendance benefit?

    Find every veterans benefit available for long-term care — including programs most Massachusetts families never know to ask about.

    Caregiver Compensation

    • Can I get paid to care for my own parent in Massachusetts?
    • How much do caregiver programs pay?

    Find out if you qualify to be paid as a family caregiver in Massachusetts — and exactly how to apply.

    Financial Planning Tools

    • How do we pay for care without losing everything?
    • What financial strategies protect our assets?

    Explore every financial strategy available to Massachusetts families — from spend-down planning to long-term care insurance and asset protection.

    Medicare covers short-term skilled nursing care after a qualifying hospital stay — up to 100 days with cost sharing after day 20. Medicare does not cover long-term custodial care — the ongoing personal care most seniors eventually need. Use our Medicare guide to see your complete coverage picture.

    Veterans may qualify for the Aid and Attendance pension — up to $2,874 per month for a veteran with spouse — as well as VA community living centers, home-based primary care, and adult day health care programs. Eligibility depends on service history, discharge status, and financial need. Use our veterans guide to check your family's eligibility.

    Possibly yes. Massachusetts has MassHealth programs that may allow eligible individuals to hire a family member — including an adult child — as a paid caregiver. The rules vary by program. Use our caregiver compensation tool to check what programs exist in Massachusetts.

    Most families use a combination of personal savings, Medicaid planning, veterans benefits, long-term care insurance, life insurance conversion, and annuities. The right combination depends on your family's financial situation, timeline, and Massachusetts's specific rules. Our financial planning tools help you map every option available.
    Care connections — Massachusetts Coming soon

    Finding the right people to help your Massachusetts family.

    When it matters most, nothing replaces someone who truly understands your family. Care Connections will match your Massachusetts family with vetted local professionals based on your zip code and your specific situation. No cold calls. No pressure. Just the right introduction at the right time.

    Tell us what your family needs and we'll notify you the moment Care Connections is available in your Massachusetts county.

    Helps us match you with professionals in your county

    We'll notify you when Care Connections is available

    No spam. Just a heads up when it's ready for your area.

    Several types of professionals can help — and the right one depends on what your family needs most right now. An elder law attorney helps with Medicaid planning, asset protection, power of attorney, and legal documents — essential if Medicaid is a consideration. A geriatric care manager coordinates care, evaluates facilities, and helps families navigate difficult decisions — especially useful when family members live far apart. A SHIP counselor provides free, unbiased Medicare and insurance counseling — no sales, just answers. A financial planner with elder care expertise helps families understand how to pay for care and protect assets. A life planner (or life care planner) takes a holistic approach — looking beyond finances and medical needs to help families create a long-term roadmap that considers lifestyle goals, housing preferences, social well-being, and future care transitions. Life planning ensures your loved one's values and wishes stay at the center of every decision. Care Connections will match your family with vetted professionals in your area when it launches.

    Home care — also called personal care or custodial care — provides help with daily activities like bathing, dressing, grooming, meals, and companionship. Home care is generally not covered by Medicare but may be covered by Medicaid waiver programs. Home health — also called skilled home health — provides medical services at home including skilled nursing, physical therapy, and occupational therapy. Home health is covered by Medicare when ordered by a doctor after a qualifying event and when the patient is homebound. Most families need both at different stages — home health for short-term medical recovery and home care for ongoing daily support.

    A regular estate attorney focuses on what happens to your assets after you die — wills, trusts, beneficiary designations, and probate. An elder law attorney focuses on what happens to your assets while you are alive but need care — Medicaid planning, asset protection, spend-down planning, guardianship, and long-term care funding. If Medicaid eligibility is a consideration, an elder law attorney is essential. Most families navigating long-term care need an elder law attorney — even if they already have a will and trust in place.

    Finding the right assisted living community is more than comparing prices — it's about matching your loved one's care needs, personality, and preferences with the right environment. A senior living placement specialist (also called an advisor or consultant) helps families identify communities that fit — based on care level, location, budget, and availability. Many placement services are free to families because the communities pay the referral fee. A geriatric care manager can evaluate your loved one's needs, tour communities with you, and coordinate the move-in process — especially valuable when families are managing the transition from a hospital or rehab stay. A good placement professional doesn't just find a bed — they help ensure the transition is smooth, the care plan is right, and your family feels confident on move-in day. Care Connections will match your family with trusted placement professionals in your area when it launches.
    Your free long-term care snapshot

    You've seen what Massachusetts has to offer. Now see how it all fits your family's specific situation.

    Every section above gives you one piece of your Massachusetts picture — what care costs near you, whether Medicaid might help, what senior services and nonprofits are available, and what other programs your family might qualify for.

    But each piece only tells part of the story.

    The free personalized care snapshot puts all the pieces together — your health situation, your financial picture, your timeline, and the Massachusetts-specific options available to your family. It takes about 8 questions and 1 minute.

    Most families who complete the snapshot tell us it's the first time they've felt like they actually understood their situation. That's what it's designed to do.

    Family members supporting each other through care planning

    Who needs help?

    Tell us who you're planning care for.

    The next questions will be about whoever you choose above — answer for them, not yourself (unless this is for you).

    Step 1 of 8
    ✓ Takes about 1 minute✓ Free — no credit card ever

    Your care snapshot is a personalized summary of your family's long-term care situation — built from your answers to 8 questions about health, finances, and timeline. It covers your care level, how long care may be needed, your financial runway, your Medicaid planning timeline, and your health trajectory. It's free, takes about 1 minute, and gives your family a clear picture of where things stand right now.

    Every snapshot is built from your specific answers — your loved one's health and care needs, your family's financial picture, your timeline, and Massachusetts's specific Medicaid rules and programs. Two Massachusetts families with different situations will see completely different snapshots. The more accurately you answer, the more useful your snapshot will be.

    A free account — no credit card, ever — saves your snapshot and generates your complete personalized care plan. Your plan includes step-by-step action items specific to your situation, a document checklist tailored to Massachusetts, all your tool results connected in one place, a shareable summary for family meetings or advisor appointments, and predictions for when care may be needed and how long it may last. Creating an account takes about 60 seconds.

    Everything your Massachusetts family needs — in one place.

    Free tools, Massachusetts-specific resources, a personalized care snapshot, and connections to the right people. All organized for Massachusetts families. All completely free.

    Built around your situation and Massachusetts's specific programs and rules.

    Massachusetts Long-Term Care Planning Guide

    Read our in-depth article on elder care demographics, costs, and Medicaid planning in Massachusetts

    Start planning before you're forced to decide

    Always free • No sales pressure • Built for families

    Long-term care resources for neighboring states

    ConnecticutNew HampshireNew YorkRhode IslandVermont

    Last updated: March 2026